Have you got a dark corner or a room that just seems to be dim, even with the lights on?  Don’t live in a world of artificial lighting – install a skylight to flood your home with natural light! If you’ve always wondered about skylights, here are the answers to your most common questions.  For any more information, have a chat with your local skylights specialist.

What is a Skylight?

A skylight is a device that allows sunlight to enter the home through the ceiling, increasing the amount of natural daylight in a room.  They are used to bring light into rooms that are otherwise dark and damp feeling.

How Do Skylights Work?

A skylight works by having a dome on the roof, and a diffuser in the ceiling on the room.  Sunlight is transmitted through the dome to the diffuser, where it is spread evenly into the room.

What Types of Skylights are Available?

There are several different types of skylights available including:

• Roof windows – a roof window is a window that is installed into the roof, and it allows you to see directly outside.  Roof windows can be fixed or openable.
• Traditional skylights – these are square or round in shape and they consist of the roof dome and the ceiling diffuser.
• Tubular skylights – like traditional skylights, these consist of a roof dome and a ceiling diffuser but the dome and the diffuser is joined by highly reflective tubing.  The tubing bounces the sunlight down it and the result is more light entering the room.

Do Skylights Create Heat in the Room?

Because skylights let in sunlight, they can also create small amounts of additional heat in the room.  The effect can be minimised or even eliminated by making sure the skylight is fully sealed, and that energy efficient materials or double glazing is used in the diffuser and domes.

Can Skylights be Shaded?

Skylights can be shaded by using special blinds that are designed to go over the diffuser.  These blinds are held in place by special mounting brackets and they can be fully or partially open depending on how much light you want to let through.  Never use window tints to shade your skylight as you will void the warranty.

Can Skylights be Opened?

Skylights are generally fixed in place but you will find that some manufacturers make openable skylights. These allow you to open them to a certain degree to improve ventilation in the room.

Do Skylights Leak?

When skylights are properly installed, skylights do not leak at all. They are fully weatherproof.

Can I Replace the Glass in my Existing Skylight?

If you already have a skylight and need to replace the glass for whatever reason, your skylight specialist should be able to easily order and install some replacement glass.

Can Skylights be Custom Made?

Some manufacturers will be able to custom make your skylight to the exact size and dimensions that you need.